Esther Risks Her Life (Esther 4:15–17)

Mordecai undoubtedly implied that God would protect his people and that he had purposed to use Esther by causing her to be chosen as queen. This is a theological high point in the book. Mordecai believed that God guides in political events and in individual lives, even though those in power do not acknowledge him. Esther’s call for a three-day fast revealed that she shared the faith of Mordecai in the God who answers prayer, though she did not mention his name. Her need was for courage to fulfil her destiny by interceding for the life of her people, though it could cost her her own life.

I. Esther felt identified with her people.

15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

A. She now looked to them for spiritual support.

When we first met Esther and Mordecai, they were hiding their identity as Jews. Now Mordecai is enlisting other Jews in the struggle against Haman, and Esther is commanding her ladies-in-waiting to participate in the fast.

Even though the name of God is not mentioned in the text, this act of humiliation was obviously directed to the Lord and was certainly accompanied by prayer. Fasting and prayer are frequently found together in Scripture, for fasting is a preparation for concentrated and humble prayer.

B. Esther believed God answers prayer.

She now looked to her people for spiritual support. “And fast for me” implies prayer and fasting. This suggests that Esther had a genuine faith in God. By her request for fasting (and certainly prayer is assumed), Esther showed that she needed the support of others and recognized the need for God’s intervention. Even she and her maids would fast as well. This meant she would share her faith with these maids.

This meant she would share her faith with these maids. Esther believed God answers prayer. Such prayer changes situations; in fact, it is one of the chief instruments God uses to change history. Of itself, fasting is no guarantee that God will bless, for fasting must be accompanied by sincere humility and brokenness before the Lord. If fasting is only a formal religious ritual, it accomplishes no spiritual purpose.

II. “I will go” marks Esther’s momentous decision that risked her own life.

A. At first Esther apparently was more concerned about her own safety.

When she realized the influence she could have and perhaps God’s purpose in putting her in her position “for such a time as this,” she decided to act, committing herself to God.

Many Christians are more concerned about their own security than about the desperate physical and spiritual needs of the world. If they understood that their decision could make a difference, many would make the commitment God is asking of them.

B. “Do not eat or drink for three days”

Since Jews throughout the empire were already “fasting, weeping, and wailing” (Es. 4:3), it wasn’t difficult for Mordecai to unite the Jews in Shushan to pray for Esther as she prepared to intercede before the king. This was a matter of life and death both for her and her people, and God used the crisis that Haman had created to bring a spiritual revival to His people scattered among the Gentiles.

It’s often the case that God’s people have to experience trouble before they will humble themselves and cry out to God. Fasting is a means by which one denies one’s own needs and focuses directly on his or her relationship with God and the world.

III. “And if I perish, I perish”?

17 So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.

A. Do these words suggest unbelieving resignation, or trustful submission to the will of God?

Esther echoes the same surrender and confidence that Paul expressed to the Ephesian elders: But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24, NKJV).

“And if I perish, I perish.” Both Vashti and Mordecai displayed courage in life-threatening situations, and now so did Esther. Vashti showed courage in her refusal to humiliate herself for the whimsical desire of her husband, and Mordecai did so in refusing to bow down to Haman. Esther proved braver still. She had decided to break the law of her husband and risk her very life for her people.

B. From the human point of view, everything was against Esther and the success of her mission.

The law was against her, because nobody was allowed to interrupt the king. The government was against her, for the decree said that she was to be slain. Her sex was against her, because the king’s attitude toward women was worse than chauvinistic. The officers were against her, because they did only those things that ingratiated themselves with Haman.

In one sense, even the fast could be against her; for going three days without food and drink would not necessarily improve her appearance or physical strength. But What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31, NKJV) God’s providential care had brought Esther to this point, but Esther accepted the challenge that might cost her life.